The Great Bra Strap Debate
77Have you ever heard the expression if you cannot afford the bra do not wear the shirt? I used to hear college friends say this in reference to fellow classmates that walked around campus with their bra straps hanging out. There are some pretty bras with lacy straps where this look does work, but unless you are Carrie Bradshaw circa Sex and the City there is little getting away with wearing a black bra under a see through top. Well maybe at certain functions and events, but not to work or fancy dinners. Even your friends might get tired of seeing your bra stick out when you meet them for coffee, so do not give freedom of speech as a free license to let your bra hang out. I am not saying all bra straps should be hidden, but if they are not the lacy or decorative type it is better to cover these up.
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Strapless Backless Self-Adhesive Silicone Bra D-E cup
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Strapless Bras
The strapless bra is toted as the undergarment to eradicate all those unsightly straps, but what are the pros, and what are the cons:
Pros:
- You do not have to adjust your bra straps.
- Many strapless bras are convertible with detachable straps.
- There are affordable strapless bras on the market.
- Strapless bras work well with strapless tops, dresses, and evening gowns.
Cons:
- Strapless bras pinch and often leave red marks.
- Strapless bras are uncomfortable.
- Strapless bras slide down easily, and thus have to be readjusted more than bras with straps.
When I was in my earlier twenties I thought wearing a strapless bra would be a good thing to do with dresses that had thinner straps, but this did not work for me. The bras would often slip down and I would have to excuse myself to go readjust it.
Bras With Pretty Straps
Bras with pretty straps are often meant to be seen, even peeking through the thin straps of your shirt. So what are some of the pros and cons of bras with lacy or fancy straps:
Pros:
- A bra with pretty straps can be even worn with a strapless top if it both match.
- A bra with pretty straps look like it was purposely part of the outfit.
- A bra with pretty straps are more comfortable than the strapless variety.
Cons:
- Bras with pretty straps should are not appropriate for work.
- If the bra straps are showing these have to match your outfit.
Personally I would not want my bra straps hanging out, even if these were pretty, but that is just me. Some women seem to be able to pull off this look well, but it is certainly not appropriate for most work sites.
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Eyelet Sweaters To Cover Bra Straps
Since I hate wearing strapless bras I sometimes have not alternative, but to wear a top where my bra straps may show a little. Rather than go out in public that way I simply throw a eyelet sweater over it, which works even in the warmer seasons because these are lighter pieces. Actually I wore an eyelet sweater a few times with the dress above because I got tired of having to adjust errant bra straps. What are the pros and cons of wearing an eyelet sweater over an outfit to conceal bra straps:
Pros:
- Eyelet sweaters cover up part of your body without being as heavy as traditional cardigans.
- Eyelet sweaters come in a variety of colors.
Cons:
- An eyelet sweaters have to match the outfit you are wearing.
- Some people become too warm wearing eyelet sweaters in the summer time.
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Elita Metropolis Built-Up Camisole with Shelf Bra Daywear (MEDIUM White)
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Divine Women's Racer Back Camisole with Built In Bra (Black, large)
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Camisole Tops With Built In Bras
There was a time with a pretty camisole top was considered an undergarment, but today women can even been seen pairing these with business jackets. Spaghetti strap tops with built in bras often look more like camisole tops, especially if these have lace detailing. Camisole tops can even be worn in casual settings, or under a top or dress that has thick straps. I often wore cami tops under some of my dresses because these did not show through as with bra straps. So what are some of the pros and cons of cami tops:
- Come in a variety of colors.
- Cute lace detailing adds to an allure of your ensemble.
- Cami tops can be worn under a business jacket during the day, and by itself for a night on the town.
Cons:
- Cami tops with built in bras do not always give some women enough support.
- Cami and spaghetti straps can cut into your shoulders in the top does not fit properly.
There are many alternatives to showing off your bra straps this summer, but you can do that if desired. Personally, bra straps are not that big of a deal, are they?
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Comments
Honestly Georgiakevin I am glad that is part of the reason I am not a teacher anymore. Some of us teachers just tried to ignore those things because if you see a student breaking the dress code then you had a big debate on your hands. Where I taught parents would come in and give the teacher a hard time for reporting the kid for a dress code violations, and I was just not up for that when I had bigger problems, like kids acting out in class.
When I taught high school one girl dressed like she was going clubbing, but since the first two period teachers were not going to do anything about it, I was certainly not going to make a deal of it.
I believe in dressing appropriately for all situations, but I would never want to police people about it.
Nice hub, it seems that more and more girls don't care about bra straps these days. At least it makes it more acceptable when they do show inadvertently.
Don't forget the amazing new bra strap holding device recently promoted on infomercials everywhere and available at drug stores everywhere. I think its called StrapPerfect and it's a littel device that hugs the straps in the back so they don't fall down. I might have to get one because my straps always fall down. Ugh! Nice work as usual!
Thank you. I cannot stand to see a bra. I was raised that underwear was not meant to be seen in public. I get actually embarrassed at how much some show. A little strap is nothing nowadays, but modesty should still be observed.
Gypsy,
I think beginning with Madonna in the eighties people just became more open to bra straps hanging out. However, it is probably not a good idea to go for this look at work, or if you are looking for a job.
Calin,
I have heard about that product, but I was hesitant to write about it as I am not familar with it. Thanks for sharing.
RGraf,
Bra straps showing look kind of funny to me, but I guess to each his own. I worry about ladies who go to interviews dressed like that though.
I, myself am very particular about bra straps showing....but with today's generation the general policy seems to be, to just let it hang out. ;)
Yes, true diana I realize it is popular to let it hang out, but I think even in certain settings, such as work, it is not deemed appropriate. However, to each his own.
Did you know that there are bras on the market now with clear straps? I bought one a month ago and not only does it work at night but daytime as well.
SweetiePie, I love your "pros" and "cons" lists. Basically, the choice on any of these alternatives is going to come down to the individual. The funny thing (at least I find it funny) is that girls who let their bra straps show almost inevitably are girls who could get away with NO bra. It's like a fashion statement or something to show the world "Look, I am wearing an undergarment!"
How about doing a hub on different types of panties? Another pet peeve of mine is the top of the thong sticking out of the back of the pants. Well, the thong strap itself isn't so bad. It's just that the thong combined with the "tramp stamp" comes across like a neon sign...
I have a solution for all of theses scenarios, please read...
You are right. That is a pretty dress and bra straps should not be hanging out of it. I find with all sleeveless dresses though, every time you move, your bra strap WILL peek out the side.
Strapless bras - find one that fits BUT it will still tend to slip
Bras with pretty straps are great but they get expensive!
Eyelet sweater or wrap are great except during warm weather when bra straps are very often on display
These tanks with built in bras are not appropriate for women who have breast fed in the past. Once your shape goes, don't try these tops without some kind of support, please. And if you are genetically superior, count your blessings!
As for clear straps, they are clearly visible (and sticky).
My solution after the bra straps drove me crazy was to come up with Strappys Decorative Bra Straps. They are rhinestone, jewelry, beaded and fabric interchangeable straps that attach to your strapless bra - helping to keep it in place. When your strap plays peek a boo it looks like jewelry on your shoulder.
Strappygal
www.strappys.com
Hi Laringo,
I bought some of those clear straps awhile back, but these severly cut into my skin. Since I did not have a good experience with those I just decided to write about the lingerie products that worked for me. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Mighty Mom,
Okay I must admit when I was twenty-three I was guilty of a few times bending over and my thong showed when I was wearing low cut pants. My friend made a comment about it, so after that I always wore longer tunic style shirts to cover that area when I wore low rise pants. I think I may do another hub about panties in the future, and I did write one about nylon panties. I get some real out there comments on that one too.
I know what you mean about how some girls who do the strap thing do not even need to wear a bra, but some well endowed girls like my sister does it too. She will wear cami tops that have built in bras, but she insists on wearing a bra undreneath because she says it does not give enough support. A few guys were making a lot of appreciative comments about that once, but she was so oblivious and did not pick up on it. I personally could not be bothered whether women expose their straps or not, but I know in the past that at the types of settings where I worked it was a no-no.
LOL SweeiePie, here is the topic we are on the same page. :) Frankly I find exposed straps tasteless and disgusting. Either hide them, or don't wear bra. This is just my personal opinion of course. :)
Great tips. I have found safety pins to work very well, for keeping straps hidden. Also, a well fitted bra is less likely to be exposed.
Hi Christa,
The safety pins sounds like a very good idea. Gee, you can use safety pins for so many things it is almost funny. I even have made bracelets out of these.
Great list of pro and cons. Now I don't have to test everything out myself.
I don't think women should let their underwear show, not even sexy bra straps. Otherwise what's left for that very special someone. It makes a man feel a whole lot more special if he knows he's the only one to get a look.
I think seduction is fast becoming a lost art.
Hi, this is a great thought, I'm surprised that many young girls and women think nothing of their straps or even underwear, if they have any, showing. good article, marisuewrites sent me here. ;)
Ok so it's a bra hub, I just wanted to have a nosey ok ; )
No worried bacompany. Guess the title made you curious ;).
I remember the safety pin trick from my mother in the 80s. Bra straps were still not acceptable except under net tops (and they were usually black lacy bras) until maybe the 90s? Then the bra straps came out in force with the cami tops and low rise jeans with the thongs. My daughter, who is 13, says that her friends all see the 90s as the cheesy decade with all the bellies hanging out and bra straps. Now, the girls seem to be swinging back to concealing bra straps. Their tops aren't as revealing and long tunics in layers cover more skin. Funny how styles change. Their bras are also in pretty colors, less like underwear in case a strap shows. They don't like the white or cream colored bras. Must remind them of their Moms. LOL
I don't like any of my bra showing :) I have a hard time keeping my straps up though...
Calin,
I think your observation about the nineties are very accurate. I remember high school in the early to mid-nighties, and everyone was either wearing a flannel shirt and sport a grunge look, or breaking the school rules wearing those bra tops. When I was a freshman there were no rules against that, but apparently so many girls were wearing these tops it became a problem. The movie Clueless is so synonomous with the fashion of this time.
Uninvited Writer,
Thanks for sharing.
How interesting. I have a thing about bra straps. When being fitted for a bra the assistant always says the straps should be on the outside of your shoulders but I feel way more comfortable with mine mid shoulder. To wear them on the edge of your shoulder is uncomfortable because it feels as though the sttrap is going to slip off. What does everyone else prefer I wonder?
Most women are careless about the bra strap. Their bra straps come out of the dress ie. blouse or frock or whatever. When this happens it looks ugly.
Thanks for sharing Sue.
Laswi,
I would try not to use encompassing terms such as most women. It would be more prudent to say you do not like this look, but please refrain from saying all or most people do this because there are many who do not.
great article ;-)
It is a great hub with obviously great responses. Personally it really doesnt matter to me. If a girls bra strap is showing or hid, what the difference really.
I appreciate your honesty Dale. Maybe you can make all of us a fish dinner :).
Love your lists of pros & cons.
Both of us try really hard to wear the right underwear -bra & pants - for what we have got on top. We have a web site called Look Lovely, and live in a small town where a lot of people know about the website and expect us to look good.
There is a double burden on Tricia, because she is a fitness teacher (Pilates) and when she teaches she has a whole group of women looking at her!
Good fit is critical!
Pat has tried bras with cross over straps. These can be okay, but you need to be wide awake to put them on without getting in a tangle! Also, she's experienced some where the straps suddenly come undone at awkward moments (definitely a CON).
Thanks for a good hub.
2Patricias,
I appreciate all the great advice you have provided here.
Wow did you know Sweetie that is in the number one slot for hot Hubs. Congratulations! I can see why it is number one. You go girl!!
Thanks blondepoet, I appreciate that. I just received a preachy email from a Jehovah's Witness person that did not even fully read my hub telling me I am not allowed to write about my experiences regarding the religion, so it was nice to come back to this more light hearted hub :).
Had fun visiting your hub! keep up the goood work
Some helpful tips and enjoyed the adverts ,since some garments names have slightly different names ...its put me in the mood for shopping !( I wish), do you by any chance know if Sears do 'bra fittings' because I dont know U.S bra sizes well...(size conversion) from NZ/AU-USA. Enjoyed your hub,thankyou.
Hi Eaglekiwi,
I am sure Sears does bra fittings, and I know Fredrick's of Hollywood and Victoria Secret's do also, but you usually have to ask a sales person, and in my experience they are not that enthusiastic at times. Personally I just try on things until I see what fits, and I have noticed with certain bras I can be totally different sizes depending on the brand.
ladies, I hate it when a women is wearing a sleeveless top or strappy top and her bra straps fall down her arm, it is like either she doesnt bother checking the fit first or it is deliberate.
Have some compassion O! Sometimes people cannot help it, but it is another thing iss someone is purposely showing off the straps.
I have some sympathy when it is accidental, for instance my sister for years has noticeably had problems with her bra straps falling off her shoulders especially her left side, she always very fast fixes her bra strap if its down her arm but now allows them to be way out on her shoulder showing as I can only guess its too hard for her to keep them one part of the shoulder. However the sympathy goes when she wears tops that only exaggerate the problem, I would say 5 out of 7 days a week she wears a top without sleeves and maybe 1 or 2 of those days the top is a strappy top. Sometimes there is no real problem, the straps show but dont fall down but other times she is fixing them numerous times an hour. One of her bras her straps look extremely loose when she sits down and this causes them to lose position, the other bra with problems her strap is fairly tight but always seems to fall a lot without warning. I dont need to be an expert to say my sister is too big to go without a bra so sympathy again there but I do know she has strapless bras and never seems to wear them, one one occasion recently where her bra strap made her look bad with the top she had on I suggested to her to tuck it in and the reply was "all womens straps show so its no big deal". I guess its now a collective thing as far as women are concerned. My viewpoint is in certian situations bra straps can look good but mostly they just look tacky and I cannot understand how a woman can make the same mistakes daily, ie. keep wearing the same slippy bra under the same sleeveless top. So it does fuel the argument it is a deliberate look.
Chris,
Maybe get some of her friends to suggest a shopping trip. However, ultimately your sister is going to have to decide if she feels comfortable with that look or not.
Hi sweetiepie, I would rather think she has grown to accept it, in an ideal world she probably would love for her straps to behave themselves but they dont and instead of fighting them she lets it be, but she wont go as far as letting them stay of her shoulder if that happens she fixes it fast. I am mostly amazed she gets away with it at work, however when I asked her about how strict the dress code is in her office she told me its fairly leniant like the men dont have to wear ties.
Purposely showing the straps is effective...
Purposely showing straps will effectively demonstrate you are not very professional in the workplace, that is of course unless you are a stripper :). Purposely showing straps at a fancy dinner party will effectively demonstrate you did not pay attention to detail. There are quite a few places were purposely showing your bra straps will effectively stir a not so great reaction.
Nice hub. I actually prefer the bras with the "invisible" straps. That way you still get the support you want and you get to wear your favorite summer outfits :o)
Georgiakevin says:
6 months ago
Not being an expert in this fieled but being a teacher who has to get a female teacher when I see a female student who's has any part of her bra showing to inform the student that being seen at school like that is against school policy run on sentence I know but am sorry). You show by a well written hub that wearing appropriate clothes is not only possible but it's a good idea. Thank you!